Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is the only cure for many blood cancer patients. However, the success of an allo-HCT is severely hampered by the development of acute Graft-Versus-Host Disease (aGVHD); a frequently fatal immunological disorder caused by the unchecked inflammatory response of donor T cells.

The overarching goal of my research is to study the immunobiology of aGVHD with the objective of developing selective immunosuppressive therapies that abrogate aGVHD while maintaining T cell responses needed to preserve the beneficial graft-versus leukemia (GVL) effect.

Specific foci of my investigation are –

1. Investigating the immunobiology of T cells responses after allogeneic transplant;
2. Novel experimental therapeutic strategies using mouse models of aGVHD;
3. Role of noncoding RNAs in modulating T cell responses and engraftment post-transplant;
4. Discovery and validation of novel biomarkers in aGVHD; and
5. Translation of preclinical (biomarker and therapeutic) discoveries to the clinic.

Ranganathan Lab Website